0

Published: 18/01/2013 06:23 PM

Syria to establish new military organization, report says

The Syrian authorities are heading towards establishing what is to be called the National Defense Forces (NDF), the Russia Today news site reported on Friday.

The NDF will help the Syrian army on its mission and will comprise of civilians that have previously served in the military, a top Syrian official told the agency.

Members of the armed organization will protect citizens from attacks by armed rebels and will be given monthly salaries, said the source, adding that they will have their own distinct uniform.

Also, according to the source, the NDF will be comprised of around 10,000 men from different districts in the country.

Syria is witnessing a violent uprising against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, which has killed more than 60,000 people since its outbreak in March 2011, according to figures released by the United Nations.